Step-by-Step Admission Process Guide to Study in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Indians, second only to the USA. It has world-class universities that provide globally recognised education and offer students strong career prospects. It is home to 5 of the best student cities in the world, which means there is a whole ecosystem to support students’ careers and prepare them to face the real world. To study in Australia, you need to apply to universities through their respective websites. The process is very straightforward, and this post outlines the steps you need to follow to enroll yourself in the Australian universities for Indian students.

Here is a list of some of the top universities in Australia and the programs they are reputed for:

Admission Process to Study in Australia

Course and University Selection

The Australian Government has an official website called CRICOS, which has a list of all australian universities for Indian students and courses available to international students. That should be your reference point while planning to study in Australia. Based on your interests and career goals, check out the courses on their respective course pages and make a shortlist. The shortlist needs to include three types of courses: safe (high chance of admission, as your profile exceeds the requirements), target (moderate chance of admission based on your profile), and dream (highly competitive).

Some of the factors you should consider while selecting universities to study in Australia are as follows:

1. Course curriculum

2. Research facilities

3. Scholarships offered

4. Tuition fees

5. Location and cost of living

6. Post-study work options

Entry Requirements for Australian Universities for Indian Students

While each university might have its own set of entry requirements, and it is advised that you go through their respective course pages, most universities have the following criteria:

1. Completion of secondary school education (top universities require you to have secured at least 85-90%).

2. In case of postgraduate admissions, you also need to have a recognised undergraduate degree (or its equivalent).

3. Results of an English Proficiency Test, such as IELTS (Academic), TOEFL or PTE, while some universities might accept the Cambridge C1 Advanced Test or LanguageCert. IELTS, however, is the most common test taken by applicants.

4. While not required by most postgraduate courses in Business and Engineering, attaching a GRE/GMAT score can make your application stronger.

5. Any other requirements your university might have.

Documents Required

To study in Australia, a typical university application would ask for the following documents:

1. Academic transcripts and certificates – Mark sheets and degree certificates from each level of study. Indian documents should be translated into English if not already done. Attestation is often needed.

2. English test scores – Official test score report (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) meeting each university’s cut-off. The student visa requires you to have at least IELTS 6.0.

3. Statement of Purpose (SoP) – An essay in which you express interest in the course and the university, explaining your background and how this education will help you achieve your career goals. Make sure to personalise it for each university based on what they offer.

4. Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) – Australian universities for Indian students usually ask for 2 or 3 letters from professors. They accept letters from employers if you have work experience. Here is why professional LOR writing services are important for your study abroad applications.

5. Passport and photos – A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity). Passport-sized photographs as per specifications.

6. Resume/CV – Not always required for coursework programs, but include if relevant (especially for MBA or research).

Upon submitting your application to study in Australia, the australian universities for Indian students will assess your suitability for the course and typically get back to you in a month or two. Once you receive your offer letters, you’ll want to evaluate your options and accept the one that suits you best. Then, you are asked to pay a deposit (which is around AUD 5,000 – 10,000) after which you receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). That’s when you can apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal called ImmiAccount. Please bear in mind that your application is invalid without a CoE.

You will need these documents for your visa application to study in Australia:

1. Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) – This is a document you get from your university upon paying an initial deposit, which acts as the university’s confirmation that you have enrolled with them.

2. Genuine Student Requirement – Answer the visa form questions about your study plans and personal circumstances

3. English test scores – Submit your IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score report.

4. Financial documents – Bank statements, fixed deposit receipts, or scholarship letters showing you have funds to pay fees and living costs (which is AUD 29,710 as of May 2024) either in the form of money in your (or a family member/sponsor’s) bank account or fixed deposits. You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds when applying for the visa.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – Purchase an OSHC policy from a registered provider. You must have OSHC for your entire stay. If you do not show proof of OSHC, the visa will be refused. OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital treatments, ambulance, and limited medicines.

6. You may also need a medical check-up and police clearance for character (Home Affairs will prompt if required).

Cost to Study in Australia

As far as the cost of studying in Australia is concerned, studying in Australia is expensive and hence requires financial planning. The annual tuition fees for most courses average between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000, while specialised postgraduate programs can cost you up to AUD 40,000. Living expenses, on the other hand, are estimated at AUD 21,000 while the Australian government requires you to have funds of at least AUD 29, 710 for visa application. So your budget should be at least INR 25-30. It is definitely safe to have a buffer amount for visa application, health insurance, airfare, and personal expenses.

Scholarships to Study in Australia

You can find scholarships awarded by both Australian universities and the Australian government. While some of them waive tuition fees completely, many are partial and cover a part of your tuition fees. Check your university’s international scholarships page (this should be part of your initial research, as you wouldn’t want to miss deadlines). Also, explore Australia Awards Scholarships and other schemes (through education fairs or High Commission channels).

Tips for Applications to Study in Australia

• Check CRICOS – The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) maintains a database of universities and courses approved for international students. Please go through it to ensure the course you are applying for is legitimate.

• Maintain a checklist – Since universities have different deadlines and requirements, you can streamline your applications by maintaining a checklist to ensure you stay on track.

• Apply early – Many courses have high demand and have enrollment caps. So it is important that you apply at least six months before the start date of your chosen course. Besides, if your scores on the English proficiency test fall short, you will have time to retake and send the latest scores for consideration. It also leaves ample time for you to have your finances and visa sorted.

• Seek help from experts – Getting help from authorised agents will help you speed up the visa process. They also help you find accommodation and make moving to a new country smoother.

FAQs